Your 8 day adventure starts in Arusha, Tanzania. From Arusha you will board a scenic light aircraft flight to a landing strip in the Mahale Mountains National Park, Western Tanzania. Accessible by boat or by air only, the Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the most isolated and beautiful National Parks on the African continent. Upon arrival in the Mahale Mountains National Park you will board a traditional dhow sailing boat for a one and a half hour boat cruise on Lake Tanganyika to the camp. Spend 4 days at a luxury secluded camp on the shores of Lake Tanganyika tracking chimpanzees, enjoying boat cruises, forest walks, fishing and snorkeling trips and learning about this environment. Dotted with isolated golden sandy beaches framed by forest covered mountain peaks.

Vacation Activities Detail
Information

Day 1: Arusha to Mahale Mountains National Park, Western Tanzania

You’re 8 Day Chimpanzee Trail fly in safari starts at the Arusha Airport, Tanzania. Board a scenic light aircraft flight to a landing strip located in the isolated Mahale Mountains National Park, western Tanzania. Enjoy a dhow (traditional sailboat) transfer (approximately 1 hour and half) to a luxury secluded camp situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Upon arrival at the camp you will be welcomed by the friendly staff and have time to settle in before lunch is served. The lodge is positioned along the beach under the tropical shade of the Mahale forest with breathtaking views over the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.

Later in the afternoon you will depart on your first guided chimpanzee trekking experience (if time allows), or short forest walk. During a walk in the forest it is not unusual to come across signs of other wildlife, such as troops of Red Colobus, Red-tailed and Blue monkeys. Warthog and bushbuck wander along the fringes of the forest and are often spotted on the sandy beaches. The birdlife in Mahale, although prolific, is more often heard than seen. A moment of stillness in the forest will reveal the calls of numerous bird species above the general hum. Birds include the Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Purple-crested Turaco and Narina Trogon. Fish eagles and Palm-nut Vultures are often spotted along the shoreline; special sightings include the elusive Pel’s Fishing-owl. Enjoy evening sundowners on the beach and an evening of leisure with your fellow travellers.

Wake up in the beautiful lush and tranquil surroundings of the Mahale Mountains National Park and Lake Tanganyika. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before you depart on a guided Chimpanzee trekking safari (approximately 50 minutes to 3 hours – timing varies). Return to the lodge in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon to be spent at own leisure. Choose to relax on your own private patio overlooking Lake Tanganyika, go for a swim in the lake, laze on the beach, do some snorkelling or join your guide on a fishing excursion or boat safari. Enjoy evening sundowners on the beach followed by a hearty dinner or a barbeque on the beach.

Day 5 Mahale Mountains National Park to Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before you depart on an hour and a half dhow trip on Lake Tanganyika to the Mahale Airstrip. Upon arrival at the Mahale Airstrip you will board a scenic light aircraft flight to the Kigoma Airstrip. From Kigoma you will depart on a 2 hour dhow trip on Lake Tanganyika to your lodge in the Gombe Stream National Park. Upon arrival at your camp near the beach in the Gombe forest you will be welcomed and enjoy lunch. Later in the afternoon you will depart on a guided chimpanzee trekking safari in search of the wild chimpanzees that inhabit the National Park. Enjoy sundowner drinks at a scenic location before you return to the lodge for dinner and an evening of leisure.

After breakfast depart on guided chimpanzee trekking safari. Spend anything from 30 minutes to 5 hours to find the chimpanzees. Some beautiful forest scenery to be seen while trekking through the forest and National Park. These remarkable chimpanzees of the Gombe Forest were made famous by the pioneering work of Jane Goodall, who established a chimpanzee research program in 1960 that now stands as the longest running study of its kind in the world. In addition to the chimpanzees you can also see olive baboons, red-tailed colobus monkeys, and red colobus monkeys that are regularly hunted by the chimpanzees. Leopard and bush buck are also resident in the forest, while palm nut vultures and fish eagles are often seen flying overhead. Return to the lodge for lunch. Have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Laze on the beach, try some snorkelling or ask the guide to take you on a forest walk. Later in the afternoon you will enjoy some sundowner drinks at a scenic location. Have dinner at the lodge or enjoy a barbeque on the beach. The rest of the evening at leisure.

Included: All meals, activities (as per itinerary)

Overnight: Gombe Forest Lodge (or similar accommodation)

Day 8 Arusha, Tanzania

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before you depart on 2 hour dhow trip to Kigoma. From Kigoma you will board a final scenic light aircraft flight to the Arusha Airport, where an exceptional safari comes to end.